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Written question asked by Robin Swann (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 (named day). It was answered by Daniel Zeichner (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 March 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food and Livestock: Ashford (Kent)

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many vehicles containing (a) live animals and (b) food products failed to attend a further inspection at Sevington in the last 12 months.

Answer

Due to the intelligence led and dynamic nature of our biosecurity controls, and to ensure operations are not impacted, we are unable to share this data.

The risk of legitimate commercial loads not attending Sevington is mitigated by robust, data-backed enforcement options. Consignments called to Sevington for an inspection will have completed the necessary customs declarations and pre-notifications. These goods will not be legally cleared for sale or use within the UK until they have attended and been cleared at the Border Control Post (BCP).

Where the BCP has concerns, for example due to non-attendance, there are existing robust provisions for contacting the person responsible for the load. These provisions are enforceable through the data collected in customs declarations and pre-notification.

Meanwhile, vehicles suspected to be carrying illegal imports (e.g. those for which customs declarations and pre-notification have not been made or suspected to have been made in bad faith) will continue to be stopped and dealt with by Border Force at the point of entry to the UK, not sent to the BCP.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
34165
Session
2024-26
Related items
Food and Livestock: Ashford
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Food and Livestock: Ashford
Friday, 28 March 2025
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Subjects
Inspections Food Livestock Transport Ashford Inland border facilities
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk